Islam- A religion of hate or love
In order to judge if Islam is a religion of hate or love, we first have to establish a standard procedure of judging the religion, a standard that might be the same for all the religions of this world. The necessity for a common definition or procedure of judgment is a prerequisite for contemporary scientific regime. Even apart from that if we judge a phenomenon without any solid grounds, it will come under the attack of emotions and sentiments and will lose authenticity.
Assuming that all religions are to be judged and evaluated by the established teachings of that very religion and not by the actions of its followers, all religions would present quite a different picture. Islam, if we judge the religion from its fundamental text (Holy Quran) and the Prophet of the religion (Mohammad (PBUH)) will appear to be one of the most peace loving and the most progressive of religions. If Islam is followed at its basics you will find that aggression is frowned upon.
Among the nations, Islam propagates peace and a friendly environment. Islam prohibits unnecessary wars, and strictly warns Muslims not to initiate a war unless for self defense. Law of war and prisoners of today is a derivative of the law presented by Mohammad (PBUH). Islam does not believe in random killing of the civilians, and acts of violence are not permitted outside the battlefield. Islam has very stringent rules against destruction of the property and lives of the civilians in a war and attempts to keep them separate from it.
Islam established the concept of equality 1400 years ago, when human civilization as a whole was nowhere near grasping the idea. Islam abolished slavery by freeing the slaves and Mohammad (PBUH) emphasized the point that all human beings, black or white, educated or illiterate, rich or poor, are created equal. No one holds any superiority over the others. This is important to note this was said in his last address to Muslims. He did not try to teach them tactics to conquer the world or fight their competitors; instead he taught them important lessons concerning humanity. This clarifies the basic theme of Islam- Humanity, love and collectiveness. Love and peace are basis of the religion despite the contradictory practice of some Muslims who have usually been influenced by other factors.
Islam is religion of peace and in Quran it is clearly mentioned that killing of a man is equal to the killing of whole of the humanity where as saving the life of a human is like saving the whole of the humanity. Those who are so called Muslims or those who are not the true followers of Islam have defamed and tried to hurt the image of Islam on purpose. Individuals acts of a person or group of people cannot be associated with the true teachings of Islam.
